News

Many people will remember the popular local orienteering night walk, Startrek, which was started in 1992 by the Ilfracombe Rotary and ran for 25 years raising vital funds for local charities including Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW). In that time £225,989.43 was raised for CHSW alone.

John Stainer, past President of Ilfracombe Rotary, who was involved with Startrek from the very beginning, shares how the idea started:

The idea for Startrek started in 1990 when a small group of our club members attended a similar fundraising event. They came away enthused and discussed and expanded the

Kerri Beaumont, Legacy Fundraiser at Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), is delighted that solicitors across the south west are joining CHSW for its Write Your Will Week this April.

Those interested in making or updating a Will can do so free of charge at one of the 5 local participating solicitor firms in exchange for a suggested donation to CHSW. The week is running from Monday 27 April – Friday 1 May and solicitors taking part across the region include; Woollcombe & Yonge as well as Howard & Over in Plymouth, Paul Finn Solicitors in Holsworthy and Bude, Tozers in Teignmouth and Exeter and

Visitors enjoyed an early taste of spring on Sunday 15 February at the annual Snowdrop Sunday at Andrews Corner, near Belstone, where hundreds of snowdrops and early spring blooms filled the woodland garden with colour.

Set high on the northern slopes of Dartmoor, the garden created by the Hill family over the past 50 years offered stunning views across the Skaigh Valley, along with the chance to see around 100 different snowdrop cultivars, from the well-loved classics to the more unusual varieties.

Organised each year by Robin and Edwina Hill, members of the Children’s Hospice South West

Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) is delighted to thank Rowett Insurance Broking, one of its Charity Partners of the Year 2025, for an exceptional year of support and fundraising.

This was Rowett’s first year selecting a charity partner, and CHSW is proud to have been chosen following a client vote. Throughout the year, the Rowett Insurance team raised an impressive £7,290.27 through a range of engaging activities, including Christmas jumper days, half marathons, the charity’s Rainbow Run and themed dress-down and dress-up days.

In addition to their fundraising efforts, Rowett Insurance

New data from Hospice UK reveals that gifts in Wills are the lifeline keeping the nation’s hospices open, funding the equivalent of 400,000 nights of hospice care every year.

This comes as 127 hospices across the country, including Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), unite for a second year behind the This is Hospice Care campaign – urging members of the public to leave a gift in their Will to their chosen hospice.

The importance of hospice care is undeniable, with CHSW supporting more than 500 babies, children, young people and their families across their 3 children’s hospices; Little

During the 2025 festive period, we were proud to raise £1,700.68 for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) thanks to the generosity of our wonderful customers.

The total was raised through customer donations throughout November and December 2025, with visitors to our Christmas tree farm and the Enchantment illuminated trail, contributing via collection tins, contactless terminal, and visits to Father Christmas. We were also delighted to receive a generous donation from Irie 7 Mobile Coffee Shop, who joined us at the farm during the festive season serving delicious refreshments. THANK YOU.

We

Bristol Airport announce CHSW as its new official charity partner, marking the start of a meaningful partnership dedicated to supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families across the region.

The partnership will bring Bristol Airport staff together to raise vital funds and awareness for CHSW, which provides specialist care, respite, and support through its three hospices across the South West, offering a true “home-from-home” environment for children and their families. Bristol Airport recognises the vital work the charity does and the profound impact it has on local

Hundreds of Christmas trees have been collected and recycled across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset this January, raising £28,625.53 for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

Working alongside Biffa, Ringway, The Rotary Club of Bideford Bridge, The Rotary Club of Barnstaple Link and charity partner Just Helping, CHSW once again brought the popular Christmas tree recycling service to supporters, inviting people to book a tree collection in return for a donation. In Taunton, the collection was delivered in partnership with St Margaret’s Hospice, helping even more people take part in the scheme.

All

In her hometown of Bridgwater, Gill made it her life’s mission to bring people together in support of the charity close to her heart. What began as a Christmas event in her own garden, complete with a visit from Santa and a disco, grew into a powerful local movement to fundraise for babies, children and young people. Through her energy and enthusiasm, Gill inspired volunteers, rallied donations and encouraged her whole community to play a part in supporting CHSW.

With the support of the Bridgwater Friends Group and many others, she helped raise awareness of the critical work of CHSW and

Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) has re-opened its Plymouth charity shop with a fresh new look.

The shop on Mutley Plain has had a complete overhaul from front to back and top to bottom, with the shop floor being reconfigured.

Area Retail Manager, Jerome Browne, said the improved layout would offer customers an enhanced shopping experience, as well as a better working environment for staff and volunteers.

We are looking forward to welcoming back our lovely, local customers and doners here in Plymouth after our amazing re-fit, the shop really looks fantastic. It now offers a bright, modern